AF-S lens? Novice's question.

[jae_myung_shim]

Hi,

 

When you say AF-S lens, what does that "S" mean? Is there non-S

autofocus lenses too?

 

I'm new to autofocus, and there seem to be many different types of

AF lenses in Nikon.

 

Thanks.

Jae-Myung

[jason michael]

AF=autofocus

 

AFS=autofocus silent using the Silent Wave Motor technology

 

check out

 

http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/LensGuide/index.html

[hal_bissinger]

The "S" lenses have the focus motor built into the lens. Nikon calls it a Silent Wave motor and incorporates it into some of their high end lenses. With non "S" lenses the focus is driven through a shaft linkage to a motor in the camera body. All AF bodies will work with either type of lens.<p>

"S" lenses will focus faster and quieter than non "S" lenses but they tend to be a bit heavier.

[ilkka_nissila]

Actually, the F-801, F-501, F-401 and some of the lower end AF Nikons won't AF with AF-S lenses, so check this out. The F4, F70, F80, F90, F100, F5, & digital bodies will work. Manual focus is fine on all bodies of course.

[vedearduff]

"All AF bodies will work with either type of lens."

 

As already pointed out, this is not true. Besides some of the older AF bodies, the N55 cannot auto focus with AF-S lenses.

 

Vernon

[hal_bissinger]

I stand corrected.

[chuck]

"S" in AF-S stands for "Silent Wave", Nikon's trade name for a particular type of focus motor built into the lens. Other than AF-S, Nikon also has AF-I, AF, AF-D auto focuses lenses. AF-I is very similar to AF-S, but with a different type of motor built into the lens. AF and AF-D do not have their own motos, instead they focuses with a motor sequestered inside the camera body.

[jae_myung_shim]

Thank you for all the info. You people are good.